Eugene M. Sikes, Sr., "Gene," 91, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully on Friday,Oct.14, 2022. The Jacksonville native was born Oct. 20, 1930 to the late R.L. and CarrieSikes. Gene was devoted to his family, church and friends and always enjoyed his workand helping others.Gene is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Edna Sikes, who passed awayin June 2018. He also is preceded by his brothers, Herbert, Ted and Norman and hissisters, Virginia and Clarice. He is survived by his son, Eugene M. Sikes, Jr., "Matt" ofItaly and his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Robert Tebo, of Mount Dora, Fla. andseveral nieces and nephews.Gene attended Andrew Jackson High School and along with some friends enlisted in TheUnited States Marine Corps in 1949. He served one year active duty and was released toserve six years as a reserve. He was recalled to active duty stateside in 1950 during theKorean War and was discharged in 1952. He was proud to have been promoted tosergeant.In 1958, Gene joined the Jacksonville Police Department before the city consolidated andretired as a detective in 1979 from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office (JSO). In 1967, Genebecame a detective and was assigned as an investigator in the State Attorneys Office forthree years. He chose to go back with the sheriffs office to finish out his career.Gene was active in The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and served as president of FOPLodge 5 in Jacksonville from 1964 to 1967. In 1967, he was elected as National Vice-President of the FOP. He helped install many of Floridas FOP lodges and others.After he retired, he was elected to the City of Jacksonvilles Civil Service Board andserved from July 1979 to June 1995. He was chairman for five terms.In 1973, Gene was proud to have graduated with an associates degree from Florida Jr.College.In 1994, he was a founding member of the National Association of Retired Cops(NARC), of Jacksonville, and served as the groups first president.After Ednas retirement from CSX, the couple enjoyed traveling in their RV with theircat, Scooter, to visit family and friends around the country.But they would always return to their hometown and serve others.Gene and Edna were members of Franklin St. Baptist Church and were married there inOver the years Gene taught several Sunday School classes including boys, mensand couples classes, while Edna sang in the choir and played the piano.The family would like to thank the entire staff of Taylor Residences in Jacksonville formaking a loving home for Gene for the past four years.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at George H. Hewell andSon Funeral Home at 4747 Main St. with visiting time with family at 10 a.m. Dr. TerryGore, pastor of Franklin St. Baptist, and JSO Chaplain Clarence Jarrell will officiate.Burial will follow at 12:30 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 4083 Lannie Rd.The United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and the JSO Honor Guard will assist.In lieu of flowers, you may want to contribute to the FOP Lodge 5-30 Foundation, 5530 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207..There are no gallery images.VisitationThursday, October 20, 202210:00 AM - 10:30 AMGeorge H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Northside) 4747 Main St NJacksonville, Florida 32206Funeral ServiceThursday, October 20, 202210:30 AMGeorge H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Northside) 4747 Main StreetJacksonville, FL 32206